ESCONDIDO: Redevelopment crisis costs general fund $20M

So city officials have decided to cover their state payment of $9.5 million with part of the $20 million payback, and to transfer $4 million back to the redevelopment agency to cover $2.2 million in annual payments required over the next few years.

That leaves $6.6 million of the $20 million payback in the general fund. And because that money is being spent on properties near the proposed minor league ballpark or technology business park, the entire $20 million will be gone in January.

"The general fund was owed $34 million and now it's owed only $14 million, but it didn't get anything in return," said Diaz. "None of us on the council were told this might happen."

But Rojas defended city staff members.

"The council took action under a cloud of uncertainty," said Rojas. "If they waited too long, they might have completely lost the $20 million. Then where would the uproar be?"